Three-day artist’s workshop on Paika Rebellion

Bhubaneswar: A three-day state-level artist’s workshop marking the bi-centenary celebration of Paika Rebellion of Khurda was inaugurated at Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi here on Saturday.

The workshop is being jointly organised by Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi and Central Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.

As many as 15 artists from across the state are working on paintings based on the battle against the British.

Speaking on the occasion Commissioner-cum-Culture Secretary Manoranjan Panigrahi said the state government has been conducting a series of activities to commemorate the historical event of 1817, which took place almost 40 years before the Sepoy Mutiny.

“While historians, intelligentsia and researchers of India have to give a nod to declare it as the first freedom struggle against British colonialism, Odias will always feel proud of its martyrs,” he added.

Due to delayed flight schedule, Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, C S Krishna Setty could not attend the inaugural event.

“The Akademi has made all arrangements for the artists, who have joined the workshop, and paying Rs 10,000 to each one of them,” said secretary Tarakanta Parida.

Among others, doyen of stone sculpture Rahgunath Mohapatra, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi Bhubaneswar Centre, Ramkrishna Vedala, Director, Department of Culture, Amarendra Kumar Patnaik and Secretary, Cine Critic Association, Dillip Hali graced the occasion.

The workshop will continue till October 9.